[movistar]

hi and welcome

if you have to be talked into buying a dog then perhaps thats not the right thing for you. and if children are a problem them perhaps google information on dog breeds that are children friendly. I would stay with a smaller dog as you mentioned. When purchasing a mixed dog be sure to research all breeds involved as they can have traits from every one. The AL's have terrier which tends to be not child friendly. On the other hand I know that people have been very happy with their AL's. Its going to take finding a breeder that has dogs with excellent temperment and good breeding to. Good Luck. I would still check the pound and check on petfinder or poo mix rescue as some dogs are in foster homes and that will give an excellent insight as to their behavious in a home setting! There are a lot of rescue happy endings here on this site!

[DebBrown]

[MaxandMe]

I don't think being mouthy etc is breed specific

Max (a LC)never nipped and wasn't really mouthy at all, didn't chew anything,was easily trained etc....

i say HIS TEMPERAMENT had alot to do with it

it also depends on which way your doodles genetics lean...meaning Max has alot of poodle mentality in him, peanut OMG she's like having a golden retriever that doesn't shed and goldend always want to carry something in thier mouth.

Beau more poodlish like Max

in any case...I keep many types of kongs, dog toys and bones on hand which they end up mouthing alot.
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Annmarie, Max,& Peanut
Forum BLOG ARTICLE LINK http://blog.labradoodle-dogs.net/

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France

[Paintsmeblue]

Napa, who is an Australian Multi-gen, isn't mouthy either. But that's not to say he doesn't LOVE to retrieve. Sometimes when he's licking he'll take your finger or hand into his mouth and I guess "suck" on it for lack of a better word. It's like he tastes something good, and wants to get more taste buds on it or something. It's never a bite, and never more than a very slight pressure. But that's not really a great description of it.

But, because of the retriever part of them, the need for something to be in their mouths can sometimes be very strong- regardless of whether its an Aussie or an American.

But, in either choice, the best advice would be to talk to a breeder, explain what's going on, what you're looking for, and most breeders will work with you to find you that perfect pup.

[newaustralianlab]

[quote="movistar"]hi and welcome

if you have to be talked into buying a dog then perhaps thats not the right thing for you. and if children are a problem them perhaps google information on dog breeds that are children friendly. I would stay with a smaller dog as you mentioned. When purchasing a mixed dog be sure to research all breeds involved as they can have traits from every one. The AL's have terrier which tends to be not child friendly. On the other hand I know that people have been very happy with their AL's. Its going to take finding a breeder that has dogs with excellent temperment and good breeding to. Good Luck. I would still check the pound and check on petfinder or poo mix rescue as some dogs are in foster homes and that will give an excellent insight as to their behavious in a home setting! There are a lot of rescue happy endings here on this site![/quote]

You missed my point. My question was should I pay very little money for a shelter dog or top dollar for an Australian Lab. I'm now convinced that it in the long run, I'm better off with an Aussie Lab because I will be able to meet the breeder, the puppies parents, and the litter of available pups. One will be chosen that best fits my home. The parents and pups will be health and temperment tested and the pup will come with a health guarantee. The puppy will receive initial crate and potty training.

With a shelter dog, it's a much bigger risk as far as temperment. Since the last one didn't work out too well, I'm not risking it again and I don't want to have to give another one up if it doesn't work out. I was looking for confirmation that an Aussie is much more unlikely to shed than an American one (i.e. F1 or F1B). I've spoken to enough Australian Lab owners who are severe allergies but have great results with Aussies. I also haven't met an Assie yet that I didn't like.

My new question is what should be included in a good guarantee and what typically can go wrong that ISN't covered.

[newaustralianlab]

[quote="the1missp"]I agree with Debbildog an F1or F1b would have those traits and would also cost much less. Also I know there are breeders out there who have wonderful "older" puppies approx 16 weeks old who maybe would be willing to sell at a more affordable price as long as a loving forever home was guaranteed.
Welcome to the forum by the way![/quote]

Debbie also said "You would likely get all those traits in an American medium F1b or multi-gen for $800-$2000"

I don't want to spend so much money and take a chance that I would "likely" get those traits. If the breeders I am considering are selling non-shed pups and the owners with allergies who are buying them aren't allergic to them, I think it's better to spend the extra money and get an Aussie. Now I have to decide which breeder. The ones I'm considering buying from sell out faster than they are being produced. All have wait lists. I would wonder why at 16 weeks these other breeders haven't sold their pups.

[ellabee]

You sound like you already have you mind made up. Why beat a dead horse? Spend the $2500 and get "exactly" what you want.

You can see from all the responses that everyone has given you sound advice based upon their personal experience. You may of course either accept or reject their opinions. But now it seems you're just trying to stir the pot. Buy your AL; there's nothing more to say that hasn't already been said.


_________________
-Lynn
& "Dexter #3" (third Dexter to join the forum -
and Sandy's littermate!)

[Jac]

Lynn, that is funny!

I will quickly respond to the reason someone might have older puppies...the competition is tough, people (like you) seem to think that the only good breeder is one with a long list of clients, which may be just the opposite!
A new breeder does not have the client base up front, it takes time to build a reputation. So, sometimes they are left with puppies...also sometimes breeders will sell to anyone with money and others make sure that their pups go to good homes. Maybe those with older pups are more careful about the type of home and life their pups are entitled to.

There are many reasons...but I persoanlly believe that it is foolish to turn your back on a breeder with older pups simply because you don't understand the situation. Ask the breeder why. If you feel that they are open and honest, you might want to find out more.

Finally, here is a cut and paste of a response to this very question posted a while back and I think it gives you some good reading material if you are truly wanting answers:

This is a very important question and you really are wise to find the answers before buying.
There is a ton of info regarding this issue on this forum...so I'd suggest searching the archives and you will get some really good insight.
Here is one that I posted regarding puppy mills and back yard breeders that really took off...has a lot of good info:
http://labradoodle-dogs.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1973
Then there are a bazillion ideas in this forum:
http://labradoodle-dogs.net/forums/viewforum.php?f=2
I'd be surprised if you still have many questions after reviewing these sites, but if so, please feel free to ask away!
_________________
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jacque.bayley.lexie.chase.rosie.nitos.amelia.dupree.madison.sherwood.gerry www.backporchlabradoodles-jacque.blogspot.com www.backporchlabradoodles.com

[annabelles mom]

[gene]

I couldn't be more happy with my "bargain basement" non-shedding f1b rescue named Miko!!
_________________
gene , jonah , miko and rumor

http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/jonahfus
"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." - Robert Benchley

[MaxandMe]

[sessa35]

I'm a CLEARANCE buyer too!!
LOL!!!


our timing was right...given what we wanted.
we also got our F1b, non-shedding, Mija doodle on discount...
she was "one of those left-overs"....
our breeder (who came recommended) had two litters at the same time,
and as many breeders can attest, it does take some time to place them all in great homes...sometimes longer than expected and she was always committed to keeping them as long as needed--rather, she was never in a hurry to "just get rid" of them!!.
sooo,
needless to say,
we got a HUGE percentage off b/c she was older and most people look for the really really young....we got her at 4months old--which, in my opinion, is STILL totally a puppy!!!

P.S. Hey Gene: "Bargain Basement" finds are GEMS caught in the rough!!
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REASON #50, "Why I love my doodle so": My doodle teaches ME new things EVERY day!

[the1missp]

Hear hear, be off and enjoy your TOP DOLLAR Dog!!!!!!!
_________________
Pip & Rich, Dougie, Rose, Dekker the Doodle and Ruby the red cat.

[annabelles mom]

[gene]

Jonah also was a bargain 4mo old......
_________________
gene , jonah , miko and rumor

http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/jonahfus
"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." - Robert Benchley